Paul Blanco’s Good Car Company, which operates dealerships across the state, including one in Carson, was sued by the state Attorney General’s Office Monday for allegedly engaging in false advertising and lying on customers’ credit applications, potentially saddling them with unaffordable auto loans.

“Far from a good company, Paul Blanco’s abhorrent conduct put vulnerable families at risk, through deceitful advertising and illegal sales and lending practices,” Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “It’s disgraceful and it’s unlawful.”

Officials with Paul Blanco could not be reached for immediate comment.

In a lawsuit filed in Alameda County, Becerra alleges dealership workers would make false statements on credit applications, such as inflating customers’ income and over-stating the value of vehicles being purchased. The tactics put customers at risk of being “saddled with loans they could not afford,” according to Becerra’s office.

The suit also accused the company of tricking customers into unknowingly paying for add-on products, such as GAP insurance, by telling them the extras were required by law, or by simply concealing the added costs. It also accused the company of running false ads by offering low interest rates, even for customers who would not normally qualify for such rates.

According to its website, Paul Blanco operates eight dealerships in California, including Carson, and two in Nevada.

State Sues Car Dealer Alleging False Advertising, Lying on Credit Applications was last modified: September 23rd, 2019 by Contributing Editor

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